Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Softears Volume: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.
Wired IEMs
Softears Volume
52Average
$290
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- Softears Volume
HearWiki score
84
52
Sound
8.6
6.4
Value
8.6
4.7
Price (USD)
$200
$290
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.
- KE420242 yr newer
- Volume2022
Specifications
KE4Volume
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $290
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 52
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 3
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 5 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears KE4
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.
- Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
- Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price
- Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
- Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
- Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives
Softears Volume
The Softears Volume is a hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with two balanced armatures to deliver a lively, musical sound that leans toward fun without sacrificing tonal accuracy. Its performance punches well above its price point, offering strong clarity and resolution, though it may not satisfy those seeking maximum treble air or a purely neutral monitor tuning.
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Pro:Engaging, fun tuning with good balance
- Pro:Impressive clarity and resolution
- Con:Lacks some upper-treble presence and air
- Con:Not a strictly neutral reference sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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